020 7792 5649

Buy & sell cryptocurrency with SelachiiLearn more
Hi, How Can We Help You?

The Gambling Commission Tightens Advertisement Regulations to Protect Consumers

On October 31st, the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) implemented a new consumer protection framework to protect consumers from irresponsible advertising and misleading promotions.

Gambling firms will now face tougher action and be fined if they break advertising rules and mislead customers through the use of small print or third-party marketing affiliates.

These changes follow the complaints made by consumers over the misleading terms and conditions attached to free bets. Earlier this year, the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) found that consumers were being treated unfairly and were forced to play more to release their winnings.

The new framework further requires gambling firms to respond to consumer complaints within 8 weeks and prohibits firms from sending spam texts or emails to customers.

The changes also follow a senior regulator’s warning to gambling firms over the level of advertising within the UK.

Speaking last month at the Responsible Marketing for Gambling Operators conference, Gambling Commission Programme Director, Ian Angus, criticised the standards of betting advertisements, as well as the volume of television advertisements and the number of adverts which appeal to an under-18 audience.

report by the UKGC further shows that 80 per cent of young people (aged between 11 – 16 years old) have seen gambling advertisement on television, 70 per cent on social media and 66 per cent on other websites. When questioned by the survey on how much they had gambled in the past week, there was an average expenditure of £10. Prevalent forms of gambling for this age group were found to be fruit machines, private bets with friends and National Lottery scratchcards.

Mr Angus has urged firms to “put responsible advertising standards at the very heart of your business” in order to avoid the “storm” of tighter regulations and help to restore consumer trust in the sector.

Expert Gambling Regulation Advice Solicitors, London

Selachii is a law firm based in Kensington, London. We have a wide knowledge of areas of the law which relate to gambling laws and digital currency, allowing us to offer the best advice to our clients. Working with both businesses as well as individuals, our team of experts provide tailored and unique advice to all our clients. To speak to a member of our team about a consultation, complete our online enquiry form and a member of our team will get back to you right away.

Get legal advice

Complete the form below and we will be in touch to arrange a consultation.

Invalid Input
Invalid Input
Invalid Input
Invalid Input
Invalid Input
lrs logo 2016MLA 2017 18 Shortlisted 2

Want Selachii’s help?

Call us now

020 7792 5649

arrange a consultation

Accreditations

MLA 2017 18 Shortlisted 2